Intestinal pH

Intestinal pH is the measure of hydrogen ion concentration within the bowel lumen, varying across different segments (e.g., pH ~1-3 in the stomach, ~6 in proximal colon, and near-neutral in distal colon). It is regulated by acid/base transporters, metabolic activity of resident microbiota, secretion of bicarbonate, and digestive processes. Maintenance of regional pH gradients is essential for optimal enzyme function, nutrient absorption, microbial homeostasis, and regulation of epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Disrupted intestinal pH—due to disease, drugs, or dietary factors—can contribute to pathological states including infections, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction[1][2][4][5]. Key clarification: "Intestinal pH" does not designate a druggable molecule or receptor, so curated target information (such as molecular family, direct interacting drugs, or canonical abbreviation) does not apply. It is a physiological measurement, which can be influenced by drugs and disease, but is not itself a target for direct molecular interventions[1][2][4][5].

Other names

gut pHcolonic pHbowel pHintestinal acidityintestinal alkalinity

Buffering acidity (sodium bicarbonate, antacids); Modulating microbial fermentation (dietary fiber); Inhibiting proton pumps (PPIs, mainly for gastric pH)